6" revolver- too long for HD?

People use rifles and shot guns all the time. No reason a 6" gun would be a bad choice. Plus not only do you get 6 shots but the long barrel is also a good club.
 
>>How can a 6" revolver be too long and an 18" barreled 12 gauge be ok?<<

I was just thinking the same thing! :p
 
The difference between a 6" revolver and an 18.5" shotgun is that when using the shotgun the shooter uses his (or her) support hand further down the gun. You are not comparing apples to apples when you ask why is it okay for a long gun barrel to be long and not for a handgun barrel to be.

That being said, I will echo the sentiments of others. Your GP100 will work just fine.

And OP, the reason people recommend the 18.5" barrel shotguns for HD is because that is legally as short of a barrel as a shotgun may have without being considered a SBS (short barreled shotgun) at which point it would be an NFA item and be subject to more restrictions.
 
I consider 6" to be ideal for a HD revolver. No reason to suffer the problems of short barrels when concealment on your person is not a priority.
 
It's fine for HD or general use. CC is another story. Besides, a 2" barrel (to a lesser extent 4") will steal some of the cartridge's power.
 
First I had a 41 magnum for many years that was my HD gun and had no issues with it. Granted I was younger and guicker, better shot and in good shape.

Realistically a 6 inch shot well is leaps and bounds more better than a 2 or 4 inch shot poorly. The +P 38 rounds are a fine idea for HD as that is more than adequate and avoids over-penetration (the 357 round tends to penetrate too much as it was intended for LEO and car-body penetration with enough left to inflict damage to the person being shot at)

And never forget, the gun itself is a formidable club. You may have multiple threats the 6 rounds did not handle, it may become suddenly hand to hand and in hand to hand anything goes and any ting is a weapons including and empty gun gun used to poke someone in the face or as a club. There is a lot of heft in a 6 inch gun.

While I am not against speedloaders do not count on them. You may not get an opportunity to reload. Think tactically and reload if there is an obvious lull, not when you are out.

Also keep in mind hand to hand include kicking, gouging and biting.
 
It really has 2 disadvantages:

1) The longer barrel gives someone else quite a bit of gun to grab in a struggle for the gun. That could tip the scales some in that scenario.

2) The longer sight radius while more accurate is harder to aquire and hold stable. As long as you focus on the FR sight, you should be OK.

These are disadvantages, but can be overcome with awareness and training.

Enjoy.:cool:
 
^^^^

Nathan, if some thug gets close enough to grab your gun barrel in your house, you have already failed to do your part and are probably in BIG trouble regardless. :eek: This doesn't count as a worthy strike against 6-inch barrels IMO.
 
I pretty much agree with FairWarning as well.

If I can help it the... jerk... is going to be full of a whole cylinder's worth of lead before he can get close enough to grab the gun. Of course that is an ideal situation and I do see what Nathan is saying as a shorter barrel would obviously give less for someone to grab. However I think the benefits outweigh the risk in that situation.
 
I just measured quickly across my palm. 3 1/2". Thats less than 4 & way less than 6 so I think its an academic discussion at that point.

Theres actually no "Galactic Rule" that says you have to have the whole gun sticking out in front of you like the bowsprit on a sailboat either. (hint):rolleyes:
 
Home defense training; long arms: retention...

I'm not sure of the video title, but there is a great training clip of how a skilled, motivated person can disarm a home owner/armed citizen of a long gun(rifle, M4, shotgun).
It's a eye-opener when you see that low-light & stress must be included with your protection plans.
Real criminals & career crooks want a easy lick and will most likely flee when a possible threat like a large dog or a armed home-owner is encountered but if cornered some house-breakers will be violent.
Many cops & corrections officers call prisons; "gladiator schools" for a good reason. Felons & convicts learn what to do better and how to snatch weapons.

CF
 
Yeah redrick that full-lug chunk of stainless steel up front sure would be a decent cudgel if it had to come to that. Didn't think of that but it's true!
 
While I think it is fine for HD, it will limit your options on how to store it for quick access if that is a concern for you. It's too long for some quick access handgun safes.
 
My carry gun, a NAA Mini Revolver has a 1 5/8" barrel, and that's not too short. My bedside handgun is my Charter Bulldog with a 3" barrel, and that's just fine. Elsewhere, discreetly placed around the house for my defensive convenience is a S&W 386 Sc/S with a 2 1/2" barrel, a Model 29 and a Webley Mk. VI., both with 6" barrels, and there's a Colt New Service Target with a 7 1/2" barrel right here in my desk. All those barrel lengths are just fine with me, and perfect fits for the particular weapons that wear them.

Your 6" Ruger is perfect. Take comfort and pride in owning a high quality, powerful, accurate, reliable, durable and flexible hand gun. They don't get any better.
 
Thank you horselips :) I agree I'm pretty glad I chose this model of GP-100. Truth be know I was originally set on the 4" model but this one crossed paths with me at the right time and I'm glad I have the extra 2 inches of barrel up there now. It just really helps make the .357 magnum all that it should be imho.
 
Great choice on revolver. I think 6" is perfect since I don't carry revolvers, longer barrels don't pose any hindrance to me nor should they. Now I was going to carry one all the time I mght want a shorter bbl, but I prefer a longer barrel.
 
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